Questors Play Tells the Story of a Revolution in Communications
David Hovatter's piece looks at the laying of the Transatlantic Telegraph Cable
Live music and physical theatre is employed in the production. Picture: The Questors
November 4, 2025
A new production at The Questors Theatre explores the dramatic and often overlooked story behind the laying of the Transatlantic Telegraph Cable. Lightning Beneath the Waves, devised by David Hovatter & Company, opens Saturday 8 November in The Studio and runs until 15 November.
The play uses physical theatre and live music to tell the story of American businessman Cyrus Field and his determination to connect Britain and America by telegraph. After years of failed attempts and technical setbacks, Field’s vision found its match in Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Eastern—the largest ship of its time. Originally built for passenger travel, the vessel was repurposed to lay the cable across the ocean floor, enabling a new era of global communication.
Performances are scheduled nightly at 7:30pm, with a matinee on Sunday 9 November at 2:30pm. There is no performance on Monday 10 November. A captioned performance will take place on Thursday 13 November.
Tickets are available from The Questors box office at questors.org.uk or by calling 020 8567 0011. Prices are £16 for standard admission, £14 for concessions, and £10 for students and children.
The production forms part of The Questors’ autumn programme, which also includes Emilia by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, currently running in The Playhouse until 8 November. That play reimagines the life of poet and teacher Emilia Bassano, challenging historical narratives that have long sidelined her voice.
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